{Be Devoted} Finding Inspiration
As creatives, we often spend time searching and seeking inspiration. We run hard after things that will push and grow our work and talent. Creating Pinterest boards and following industry leaders in attempts to stay on top of trends and have fresh, new perspective with our work. I’ve often found myself dissatisfied and frustrated with my lack of creativity and uniqueness. I want my Instagram to be filled with pretty pictures and snapshots of my always gorgeous life – right? But what about those days when I’m wearing a sweatshirt with messy hair and a cluttered desk? What do hours of time spent reading blog posts and finding inspiration really do for me — for my heart — for the Kingdom. And while there is constantly beauty to find in the everyday and always something new to learn and create – why do we have a tendency to neglect the Creator of all things inspiring and beautiful. The Author of every piece of art, the Ultimate Designer and the Perfector of all things. We look to others to fill that hole in our hearts for something more. Something to give us passion and zeal for our life work. For our day to day life as we walk along and strive to make difference. I want to make art that impacts and causes people to feel something. I want people to look at my images and think – THAT is real joy. Where can I find that?
I’m reading a book called Pursuing Christ. Creating Art. by Gary Molander. His candid, honest assessment of life as a creative is refreshing. He opens thoughts that we are all afraid to share for fear that we are alone with those feelings. But we aren’t – we are broken, empty people searching for meaning in this world. And we will only find that in Jesus Christ. One of my favorite quotes from Gary’s book is this,
“You will create the most impacting art when your art is a byproduct of time spent with the Creative Source.
Jesus.”
Oh how often we neglect to look to the source of everything beautiful and perfect. We run after what this world says is fulfilling – followers, likes, views, having the latest and greatest, and people who love our work. I know that I’ve been looking in all the wrong places. I’ve been seeking the things that hold no value on this earth and that hold no eternal impact. And yet I will create the most impactful, world-changing, heart-moving work when I spend time with the Living Water – the never ending Spring of life.
“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.” James 1:17
If you’re feeling frustrated or discouraged because your lack of creativity, take a good look at the time you spend with the Lord. Are you seeking after creative “inspiration” more than spending time with the Artist? Ultimately our work hinges on the time we spend with Him. We serve a God who is life-altering and powerful. He is the ONLY One who can do great and mighty works in our life. I want to make impactful work – I want Jesus to be the center of everything I do. Join me in seeking the Creative Source – our Jesus – and making a difference in our world.
